Four Starz Speed reeled off a back half in :56.4 but still had to fend off two late challengers to capture the $25,000 Preferred Handicap trot Tuesday at The Meadows. The mile in 1:54.4 was the fastest this year by a 4-year-old gelding on a 5/8-mile track.

Dave Palone sent the four-year-old son of Conway Hall--Lotstoliveupto to the front with a quarter-pole move, but the lead was far from secure. Prism K pulled even with the leader with a first-over bid while Lolique used that cover to mount a stretch charge. Four Starz Speed prevailed by a neck over Lolique, with Prism K a game third.

Ron Burke trains Four Starz Speed, who has won 13 of 18 lifetime starts, for Burke Racing Stable, Howard Taylor, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and JJK Stables. Palone drove four winners — all for Burke — on the 13-race card, while Eric Ledford fashioned a driving triple.

(Meadows)